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Baron Small Cap Fund

Symbol BSFIXCUSIP: 068278803
Symbol BSFIXCUSIP: 068278803
S
Small-Cap Growth

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$32.43

Daily Change -$0.40 (-1.22%)
As of 06/25/2025

Net Assets

$3.75 B

As of 03/31/2025

Morningstar Rating™

As of 05/31/2025

Morningstar Medalist Rating™

medal Logo

SILVER

Inception date

09/30/1997

Overview

Portfolio manager Cliff Greenberg invests for the long term in high-quality small-cap growth companies that are market leaders. 
For the period ended 5/31/2025, the Baron Small Cap Fund received a 4-Star Overall Morningstar Rating™, 4-Star 3-Year Rating, 3-Star 5-Year Rating, and 4-Star 10-Year Rating. The Morningstar Ratings are based on the Morningstar Risk-Adjusted Return measures of 529, 529, 513, and 394 funds in the category, respectively. This Morningstar Rating is for the Institutional share class only; other classes may have different performance characteristics.
The Morningstar Rating™ for funds, or "star rating", is calculated for managed products (including mutual funds, variable annuity and variable life subaccounts, exchange-traded funds, closed-end funds, and separate accounts) with at least a three-year history. Exchange-traded funds and open-ended mutual funds are considered a single population for comparative purposes. It is calculated based on a Morningstar Risk-Adjusted Return measure that accounts for variation in a managed product's monthly excess performance, placing more emphasis on downward variations and rewarding consistent performance. The Morningstar Rating does not include any adjustment for sales loads. The top 10% of products in each product category receive 5 stars, the next 22.5% receive 4 stars, the next 35% receive 3 stars, the next 22.5% receive 2 stars, and the bottom 10% receive 1 star. The Overall Morningstar Rating for a managed product is derived from a weighted average of the performance figures associated with its three-, five-, and 10-year (if applicable) Morningstar Rating metrics. The weights are: 100% three-year rating for 36-59 months of total returns, 60% five-year rating/40% three-year rating for 60-119 months of total returns, and 50% 10-year rating/30% five-year rating/20% three-year rating for 120 or more months of total returns. While the 10-year overall star rating formula seems to give the most weight to the 10- year period, the most recent three-year period actually has the greatest impact because it is included in all three rating periods.
Morningstar classifies funds as being large-cap, mid-cap, or small-cap based on the market capitalization of the fund’s stock holdings; and as value, blend, or growth based on the value-growth orientation of the stock holdings. The nine possible combinations of these characteristics correspond to the nine squares of the Morningstar Style Box–size is displayed along the vertical axis and style is displayed along the horizontal axis. Please note that the style boxes indicate the Fund’s equity style, not necessarily its Morningstar Category.
The Morningstar Medalist Rating™ is the summary expression of Morningstar’s forward-looking analysis of investment strategies as offered via specific vehicles using a rating scale of Gold, Silver, Bronze, Neutral, and Negative. The Medalist Ratings indicate which investments Morningstar believes are likely to outperform a relevant index or peer group average on a risk-adjusted basis over time. Investment products are evaluated on three key pillars (People, Parent, and Process) which, when coupled with a fee assessment, forms the basis for Morningstar’s conviction in those products’ investment merits and determines the Medalist Rating they’re assigned. Pillar ratings take the form of Low, Below Average, Average, Above Average, and High. Pillars may be evaluated via an analyst’s qualitative assessment (either directly to a vehicle the analyst covers or indirectly when the pillar ratings of a covered vehicle are mapped to a related uncovered vehicle) or using algorithmic techniques. Vehicles are sorted by their expected performance into rating groups defined by their Morningstar Category and their active or passive status. When analysts directly cover a vehicle, they assign the three pillar ratings based on their qualitative assessment, subject to the oversight of the Analyst Rating Committee, and monitor and reevaluate them at least every 14 months. When the vehicles are covered either indirectly by analysts or by algorithm, the ratings are assigned monthly. For more detailed information about these ratings, including their methodology, please go to global.morningstar.com/managerdisclosures/.

The Morningstar Medalist Ratings are not statements of fact, nor are they credit or risk ratings. The Morningstar Medalist Rating (i) should not be used as the sole basis in evaluating an investment product, (ii) involves unknown risks and uncertainties which may cause expectations not to occur or to differ significantly from what was expected, (iii) are not guaranteed to be based on complete or accurate assumptions or models when determined algorithmically, (iv) involve the risk that the return target will not be met due to such things as unforeseen changes in management, technology, economic development, interest rate development, operating and/or material costs, competitive pressure, supervisory law, exchange rate, tax rates, exchange rate changes, and/or changes in political and social conditions, and (v) should not be considered an offer or solicitation to buy or sell the investment product. A change in the fundamental factors underlying the Morningstar Medalist Rating can mean that the rating is subsequently no longer accurate.


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Prices & Performance

PricesAs of 06/25/2025

NAVDaily Change ($)Daily Change (%)MTDQTDYTD
$32.43-$0.40-1.22%2.27%7.85%-1.94%
NAV$32.43
Daily Change ($)-$0.40
Daily Change (%)-1.22%
MTD2.27%
QTD7.85%
YTD-1.94%

PerformanceAs of 03/31/2025

Portfolio or IndexQTD1YTD11 Year3 Years5 Years10 YearsSince Inception 09/30/1997
BSFIX - Baron Small Cap Fund - I-9.07%-9.07%-7.60%2.42%14.00%8.85%9.82%
Russell 2000 Growth Index-11.12%-11.12%-4.86%0.78%10.78%6.14%5.93%
Russell 3000 Index-4.72%-4.72%7.22%8.22%18.18%11.80%8.60%

1 Not annualized.

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate; an investor's shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Fund’s transfer agency expenses may be reduced by expense offsets from an unaffiliated transfer agent, without which performance would have been lower. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted.

Performance for the Institutional Shares prior to May 29, 2009, is based on the performance of the Retail Shares, which have a distribution fee. The Institutional Shares do not have a distribution fee. If the annual returns prior to May 29, 2009, did not reflect this fee, the returns would be higher.

Performance InformationAs of 03/31/2025

Performance statistics3 Years5 Years10 Years
Standard Deviation (%)23.3523.5021.03
Sharpe Ratio-0.090.480.33
Alpha (%)1.733.783.08
Beta0.940.940.93
R-Squared (%)91.5287.6289.55
Tracking Error (%)6.978.396.95
Information Ratio0.240.380.39
Upside Capture (%)98.3999.5096.30
Downside Capture (%)93.7589.0285.91
Except for Standard Deviation and Sharpe Ratio, the performance based-characteristics above were calculated relative to the Baron Small Cap Fund's(BSFIX) benchmark (Russell 2000 Growth Index). Performance statistics for additional periods will be provided on request. Source FactSet: SPAR.

Risk & Return103/31/2020 - 03/31/2025

Chart

Scatter chart with 2 data series.
The chart has 1 X axis displaying Risk (%). Data ranges from 23.45 to 23.5.
The chart has 1 Y axis displaying Return (%). Data ranges from 10.78 to 14.
End of interactive chart.

1 Source: FactSet SPAR.

Portfolio Holdings & Characteristics

HoldingsAs of 05/31/2025

HoldingSector% of Net Assets
Vertiv Holdings Co
Vertiv Holdings Co (VRT) is a pure-play full-service provider of digital-critical infrastructure solutions for the data center and communications end markets.
As the leader in critical infrastructure solutions for data centers, Vertiv is positioned to exceed end-market growth due to its strong competitive advantage, particularly in liquid cooling, which is essential for AI data centers given the increased energy density of the servers. We expect Vertiv to leverage its healthy contribution margins and strong execution to boost profits, driving robust free cash flow generation that the company could deploy into share buybacks or M&A to create additional value.
Industrials6.3%
Kinsale Capital Group, Inc.
Kinsale Capital Group, Inc. (KNSL) is a property and casualty (P&C) insurer focused exclusively on the excess and surplus (E&S) lines market, which includes risks that are unique or difficult to place in the standard insurance market.
We believe Kinsale is a well-run insurer that should grow earnings and book value per share much faster than its peers. Its focus on the attractive E&S market, underwriting discipline, and efficient technology platform enable Kinsale to rapidly grow premiums while delivering industry-leading underwriting margins. Management is highly regarded and has decades of experience in the E&S market. We believe Kinsale has a long runway for growth in an attractive segment of the P&C insurance market.
Financials5.2%
Guidewire Software, Inc.
Guidewire Software, Inc. (GWRE) is a leading provider of core systems software to the global P&C insurance industry.
Guidewire is a small player in a vast addressable market and has been benefiting from the need for P&C insurers to upgrade 30-year-old systems. The company offers best-in-class functionality, as evidenced by its growing installed base and near-100% retention rates. The company has passed the midpoint of its cloud transition, and we expect to see accelerating revenue, expanding margins, and improving free cash flow over the next several years. We believe that recent M&A in the vertical software space supports a meaningful value creation opportunity for shareholders.
Information Technology4.9%
Gartner, Inc.
Gartner, Inc. (IT) is the leading independent provider of research and advisory services for IT, HR, sales, finance, and marketing leaders.
Gartner has a vast addressable market, which management estimates exceeds $70 billion annually, implying a penetration rate of less than 3%. IT is rapidly changing and growing in strategic importance, leading users to turn to third-party providers for insight into trends. Gartner enjoys retention rates of more than 100%, driven by the low price of its research relative to value. We think consistent execution in Global Technology Sales and improvements in Global Business Sales will help accelerate Research growth into the low double digits.
Information Technology4.8%
Red Rock Resorts, Inc.
Red Rock Resorts, Inc. (RRR) owns and operates 20 local casinos in Las Vegas and is in the planning stages of developing and managing a tribal casino in California. It also controls seven gaming-entitled sites consisting of almost 600 acres in Las Vegas and 30 acres in Reno.
Red Rock operates in the improving Las Vegas locals gaming market, which is now back to previous peak levels. We think the market is attractive, given favorable fundamentals including population growth 2.7 times the national average and $20 billion of development projects either in the planning stages or under development. The market also offers the lowest tax rate in the U.S., with limitations on the development of new casinos in the region. Red Rock also has the option to develop or sell its owned acreage.
Consumer Discretionary3.9%
Planet Fitness, Inc.
Planet Fitness, Inc. (PLNT) is the leading franchiser and operator of low-cost fitness centers, with over 2,500 gyms (the majority of which are franchises) and over 18 million members. The company also sells branded fitness equipment and merchandise to all franchise locations.
As the largest low-cost gym operator in the U.S. with the largest marketing budget in the industry, Planet Fitness is positioned to benefit from industry growth driven by increasing consumer focus on health and wellness. The company is also expanding its market by attracting first-time users (78% of Americans do not belong to a fitness club), with a long-term target of more than 4,000 gyms in the U.S. Its asset-light franchise business model produces high margins, returns, and free cash flow, as well as recurring revenue streams.
Consumer Discretionary3.1%
TransDigm Group Incorporated
Through its subsidiaries, TransDigm Group Incorporated (TDG) designs, produces, and supplies engineered aerospace components for commercial and military aircraft customers across the world.
TransDigm's parts are custom designed at the pre-production stage and approved by the Federal Aviation Administration and aircraft manufacturers. TransDigm is typically the sole supplier of 90% of the parts that it manufactures. While the company earns a modest return on original equipment parts, it earns large margins on after-market replacement parts for airframes that stay in service for decades, generating a substantial stream of recurring cash flow that is used for acquisitions and shareholder dividends.
Industrials3.0%
The Baldwin Insurance Group, Inc.
The Baldwin Insurance Group, Inc. (BWIN) is an insurance brokerage firm that distributes commercial and personal lines insurance to over 2 million clients.
The Baldwin Insurance Group is gaining market share due to its entrepreneurial culture, unique client service offerings, and fast-growing distribution channels. The company is an active consolidator in the highly fragmented insurance brokerage industry. We expect margin expansion from lapping recent growth investments, leverage of corporate overhead, and high margins on acquisitions. 
Financials3.0%
SiteOne Landscape Supply, Inc.
SiteOne Landscape Supply, Inc. (SITE) is the largest wholesale distributor of landscape supplies in North America. Through its large branch network, the company offers a broad selection of products across irrigation, agronomics, hardscapes, and nursery to landscaping professionals.
While SiteOne is more than five times the size of its closest competitor, it has only high-teens share of a highly fragmented market. It has significant opportunity to further consolidate the industry through accretive acquisitions, driven by an experienced management team with a strong M&A track record. The core landscaping market generally grows faster than GDP over time and is relatively recession resilient. SiteOne is also investing in initiatives to increase the productivity of its sales force and in-store associates to expand margins over time.
Industrials2.7%
The Cheesecake Factory, Inc.
The Cheesecake Factory, Inc.
Consumer Discretionary2.6%
Total
39.4%
Top Ten Fund Holdings based on net assets. Portfolio holdings may change over time.
Portfolio holdings are subject to change. Current and future portfolio holdings are subject to risk.

Contributors / DetractorsQuarterly as of 03/31/2025

Top ContributorsAverage WeightContribution
The Baldwin Insurance Group, Inc.2.84%0.42%
Guidewire Software, Inc.4.96%0.39%
Kinsale Capital Group, Inc.4.70%0.27%
TransDigm Group Incorporated3.10%0.25%
Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Inc.2.07%0.23%
Source: FactSet PA.

GICS Sector BreakdownAs of 05/31/2025

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Pie chart with 9 slices.
End of interactive chart.

Sector

Industrials

31.9%

Information Technology

21.4%

Consumer Discretionary

15.2%

Financials

11.7%

Health Care

8.4%

Communication Services

5.8%

Cash & Cash Equivalents

2.4%

Consumer Staples

2.2%

Materials

0.9%

Sub-Industry

Application Software9.70%
Industrial Machinery & Supplies & Components 8.00%
IT Consulting & Other Services7.70%
Aerospace & Defense6.40%
Electrical Components & Equipment6.30%
Property & Casualty Insurance5.20%
Casinos & Gaming4.70%
Movies & Entertainment4.50%
Leisure Facilities3.10%
Human Resource & Employment Services3.10%
Insurance Brokers3.00%
Life Sciences Tools & Services2.90%
Trading Companies & Distributors2.70%
Restaurants2.60%
Electronic Equipment & Instruments2.50%
0246810
Application Software9.70%
Industrial Machinery & Supplies & Components 8.00%
IT Consulting & Other Services7.70%
Aerospace & Defense6.40%
Electrical Components & Equipment6.30%
Property & Casualty Insurance5.20%
Casinos & Gaming4.70%
Movies & Entertainment4.50%
Leisure Facilities3.10%
Human Resource & Employment Services3.10%
Insurance Brokers3.00%
Life Sciences Tools & Services2.90%
Trading Companies & Distributors2.70%
Restaurants2.60%
Electronic Equipment & Instruments2.50%
0246810

Portfolio CharacteristicsAs of 03/31/2025

DescriptionBaron Small Cap FundRussell 2000 Growth Index
Inception DateSeptember 30, 1997
Net Assets$3.75 billion
# of Issuers / % of Net Assets55/99.4%
Turnover (3 Year Average)12.78%
Active Share95.9%
Median Market Cap$5.05 billion$1.00 billion
Weighted Average Market Cap$13.17 billion$4.13 billion
Expense Ratio1.05%
As of FYE Current Expense Ratio Date1/28/2025
EPS Growth (3-5 year forecast)16.2%14.5%
Price/Earnings Ratio (trailing 12-month)29.4x18.9x
Price/Book Ratio3.8x3.2x
Price/Sales Ratio2.6x1.6x
The Net Assets include all share classes combined.
Price/Book Ratio and Price/Sales Ratio are calculated using the Weighted Harmonic Average. Source: FactSet PA. Internal valuation metrics may differ.

Distributions

Record DateEx DatePayable DateIncomeReturn of CapitalShort-Term Capital GainLong-Term Capital GainTotalRe-Invest NAVCalendar-Year Return
12/16/202412/17/202412/18/2024$0.0000$0.0000$0.0000$4.2188$4.2188$34.2813.61%
12/06/202312/07/202312/08/2023$0.0000$0.0000$0.0000$0.9193$0.9193$30.3727.19%
12/07/202212/08/202212/09/2022$0.0000$0.0000$0.0000$1.4521$1.4521$27.57-31.05%
11/22/202111/23/202111/24/2021$0.0000$0.0000$0.0000$4.7182$4.7182$40.4915.84%
11/23/202011/24/202011/25/2020$0.0000$0.0000$0.0000$4.1153$4.1153$36.6840.68%
For estimated distributions, visit the Tax Center
Cliff Greenberg, SVP, Co-CIO and Portfolio Manager
Investor Series

Baron Small Cap Fund: A Differentiated Approach to Small Cap Investing

Learn more about the investment approach for Baron Small Cap Fund.